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why people buy: When buying a home, consider the resale value. - 01/19/08 08:51 PM
Sure, I might be jumping the gun a little. I know you haven't even purchased the home yet or moved in for that matter, but consider what happens if you want to sell it later. How do you choose a home that has a good resale value?
We all want homes that will grow in value and sell quickly, so why not think ahead before making your next purchase. Very few of us live in the same home forever, so the resale value is definitely something you should be considering with your next purchase.
Location, Location, Location. Location is key. Even though a … (0 comments)
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why people buy: You've Decided to Build, but Where? Tips on Buying Land. - 01/19/08 07:54 PM
Congratulations! You've decided to build your own home. But where do you start?
Now that you've drawn up the plans or maybe even picked out your perfect manufactured or modular home, you'll need to find the land to put it on. It may sound like a simple process. Pick the home, buy the land and move-in, but it's much more complex than that. Finding that right piece of land can be just as cumbersome as searching for the perfect home, if not more. And, to complicate matters even more, not all real estate agents know land, so make sure you find one … (0 comments)
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why people buy: Sellers - 10 Questions to Ask Every Agent. - 01/19/08 12:48 AM
With so many real estate professionals, how do you choose just one? Here is a list of questions that I would recommend you ask each agent you interview, to see how their service and results compare. You want to make sure that not only you choose the right professional for the job, but also make sure this is a person you are going to enjoy working with over the next couple months.
10 QUESTIONS TO ASK EVERY AGENT By Jen Hudson, GRI
1) What is your average list price to sales ratio?
Every agent should know their list price to sales price ratio. If you … (2 comments)
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why people buy: Buying a home? Save yourself time! - 01/18/08 11:52 PM
I know how easy it is to get caught up in the process of buying a home. It is a very emotional experience and probably the biggest financial investment you will ever make. But, before you walk through the door, take time to complete these simple steps to make the home shopping process easier and enjoyable.
Find a Professional. Take the time to find a professional that truly listens to your needs, wants and desires. Is this a person who is experienced, educated, organized and will help guide you down the path of home ownership?
Be a Smart Consumer. Before you walk through the door of … (4 comments)
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why people buy: My Preferred Buyer Program - 01/18/08 11:36 PM
PREFERRED BUYER PROGRAM - MY LUXURY SERVICE MODEL offered by Jen Hudson, GRI
Choosing your real estate professional is one of the most important decisions you will make when purchasing your next property. In Real Estate, most agents will offer the "standard package" with company driven websites, Multiple Listing Service information, standard signs and other run of the mill items. I continually strive to offer a "luxury service" approach. Let me share with you what that means.
Think of my service more along the lines of a luxury hotel. Instead of quality linens, tranquility, views and pleasant smells, I offer creative brochures, beautiful … (2 comments)
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why people buy: FHA & the Real Estate Circle of Life. - 01/06/08 01:05 PM
There is some great news for home buyers (and sellers!) on it's way in. On December 14, 2007 the Senate passed a new law - the FHA Modernization Act of 2007.
What is this?
Essentially, this will help buyers by offering alternative ways of borrowing money that are much less risky than the sub-prime mess we saw. There are a couple main features involved with this law.
Current Assistance. It will assist homeowners who are in a current unfortunate situation of not being able to pay their mortgage payments as a direct result of being involved with the sub-prime Adjustable Rate Mortgages.
FHA Loan … (9 comments)
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why people buy: Investors. What's a Good Value? (Part 4) - 01/01/08 10:56 AM
If you are just tuning in and are interested in investment properties, take a minute to browse through my previous articles before you get started. Part 1 - Tips for First Time Investors. Part 2 - Is it a Good Rental? Part 3 - How Long is Your Horizon?
So, you've found a couple properties that might be a good investment. How do you know if they are worth it? First, when looking at a potential investment property, use actual numbers, not future projected numbers.
The numbers part of purchasing an income producing property can be some of the least exciting work, … (7 comments)
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why people buy: Investors. How long is your horizon? (Part 3) - 01/01/08 10:39 AM
As with any investment, part of planning is knowing how long you are going to keep it. If you plan on keeping a property for 20 years, chances are you're going to have to replace the roof, water heater and other items with a limited lifespan. If you plan on keeping the property for only 5 years, then you'll want to avoid those costly items if possible. Or, at least take them into account with your costs and purchase price.
Remember, real estate is a long term investment. Make sure that you are financially prepared before you start out. You'll have plenty … (2 comments)
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why people buy: Investors. Is it a Good Rental? (Part 2) - 12/30/07 08:13 PM
So, you've decided it's time to purchase an investment property. How do you know if it's a good rental?
There are a couple basic items to consider when looking at an investment property. Just like in real estate, rentals are about location, location, location!
If you are considering a full-time rental property, is it close to schools, shopping or allow for easy commuting? If you are looking at a vacation rental, what is the draw for that area and why do people visit? Is there a golf course, beach or another attraction that brings people to the neighborhood consistently? Even a retirement … (2 comments)
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why people buy: Why Real Estate is Better than Stocks. - 12/29/07 06:00 PM
The thing I love about real estate is that it allows you to leverage your money. Here's what I mean.
Let's say that you have $40,000 to invest.
Option 1. You find an income producing property, maybe a little run down that is only $200,000. You put 15% down, or $30,000 and still have $2,000 for closing costs and $8,000 for upgrades.
Option 2. You invest it into the stock market. Say $20,000 in mutual funds and $20,000 into an aggressive stock.
Now, move forward one month.
Option 1. The mortgage payment, even with PMI at today's interest rates is around $1070/month. This home in … (50 comments)
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why people buy: Buying a Foreclosure? Think First. (Part 2) - 12/27/07 05:33 PM
There is a misconception out there. Many beginning investors and homebuyers automatically think foreclosures are a good deal. Unfortunately, I'm here to tell you they rarely live up to the "hype" and they are certainly not easy.
Sellers who go into foreclosure will stop making payments for a variety of reasons. There may be medical conditions, loss of a job, divorce, job transfer, or excessive debt. Whatever the reason, they stop making payments and in many instances, the upkeep on the home as well.
For those who specialize in investments, there are many reasons why it is preferred to deal with … (3 comments)
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why people buy: Foreclosures. It goes back to supply & demand (Part 1) - 12/27/07 05:29 PM
Think about it this way. Real Estate is all about supply and demand. In my area, almost all short sales and foreclosures are listed through our multiple listing service. These homes are available on the market, just like all the other homes in the area. Good investors do not like to get caught in bidding wars. That defeats the purpose and the good deal usually goes right out the window.
If that property has not sold under the normal market conditions, what makes you think you are getting a good deal at the auction? Remember, it's all about the moment and the … (2 comments)
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why people buy: Real Estate 101 - 12/11/07 03:13 PM
I was recently reading an article by Denise Lones, MIRM, CSP with The Lones Group in Bellingham, WA and boy did she hit the nail on the head!
Real Estate follows the rules of basic economics - supply and demand. The supply and demand in real estate is the same as the supply and demand in the stock market. Please read that again.
We can all understand how the stock market is driven by supply and demand. When the marketplace needs a product, then the company who can deliver that product sees their stock prices rise.
In real estate, the same can be … (11 comments)
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why people buy: Why People Buy - 11/16/07 09:43 PM
There are three main reasons why people buy homes. The first is the economy and ours is great! We have three major hubs - technology, aerospace, and medical research. Boeing has orders for the next 22 years, is currently hiring like crazy and their employees are on mandatory overtime. Costco is looking into major expansion in our area. The Port of Seattle estimates that their container traffic will be doubling in the coming years. I could go one and on, but the main point is that as long as our job market is strong and people will continue to move to … (3 comments)
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Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA
Stanwood,
WA
More about me…
Windermere Real Estate/M2, LLC
Address: 95020 19th Ave, Everett, WA, 98208
Office Phone: (360) 652-1200
Cell Phone: (206) 293-1005
Email Me
What you should know about real estate in Stanwood, Arlington & Camano Island, WA. And, maybe some other tips too.
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